Gas Prices Out of Control A “Class” Action Plan Sharee Watterson Ganesha High School Pomona, California CTAP 295 Teaching with Technology

Gas Prices Out of Control A “Class” Action Plan

Sharee Watterson

Ganesha High School

Pomona, California

CTAP 295 Teaching with Technology

Sharee Watterson, Ganesha High School, Pomona, California

Gas Prices Out of Control - A “Class” Action Plan

CTAP 295 Teaching With Technology

My name is Sharee Watterson. I am a Special Education Language Arts/Reading teacher for grades 9-12. Currently, I am in training to become

a Master Technology Teacher at Ganesha High School. I will complete this training in June 2001. Also, I am Unit Leader for our Special Education

Department and I will begin as a Mentor Teacher September 2001.

My web address is http: ctap295.ctaponline.org/~swatters

My e-mail address is [email protected]

This lesson plan is designed for use across the curriculum – including

Language Arts, Science, Government, Geography, Mathematics and Technology. Students will gain increased knowledge of research techniques, statistical analysis, oral presentation skills, and written communication.




Standards Addressed1.1 Demonstrate control of grammar, paragraph

and sentence structure, diction and usage.

1.2 Produce legible work that shows accurate spelling

correct use of conventions of punctuation and grammar.

2.4 Deliver multimedia presentation. Combine text, images

and sound by incorporating information from a wide

range of media, including films, newspapers, magazines,

CD-ROMs, online information, television, videos, and

electronic media generated images.




Learning Expectations

To encourage teachers across the curriculum to share in implementation of student projects.

To become more proficient at creating standard based lesson plans and web pages.

To guide Special needs students in use of assistive technology as a valuable learning aid.




Learning Outcomes

Successfully complete student projects across the curriculum through teacher cooperation.

Standard based lesson plans published on website and accessed by other teachers for use in classroom.

Special needs students to complete standard based Lessons with aid of assistive technology.




SUCCESSESSpecial needs students were able to complete standard

based lesson using assistive technology.

Students learned that their “voices are heard” - each receiving return replies from the Governor’s office in both e-mail and letter form.

Students were able to set up their own e-mail addresses and communicate with students in other parts of the country.

Increased skills in use of PowerPoint. Increased skills in use of Excel.Increased skills in use of Internet as a Research tool.




Shortcomings

Because of individual needs, it was often difficult to help all students who needed assistance. Through cooperation from Special Ed. Teachers, students were pulled out of SDC Math, Social Studies and Science classes to finish the project.

There were not enough computers available for students to access their online research.

Network problems occurred frequently because district was in process of updating internet.




0

20

40

60

80

100

Pre-Test Post-Test

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

Pre-tests and Post-tests were divided into three parts:

1. Business letter format a. Traditional b. Through use of e-mail

2. PowerPoint proficiency

3. Excel proficiency

Results were divided into five skill levels according to test scores:

1. Five stars - 80 + 2. Four stars - 60 - 79 3. Three stars - 40 - 59 4. Two stars - Below 40

Student Data




RevisionNext year I expect to have all five classroom computers with internet access. This will allow more students to complete their online research. Also, I will schedule my classes to work in the

computer lab, based in the Ganesha library, when needed.

Students will be shown more options for getting their voices heard: congressional representatives - http://government.aol.com/mynews/ Bogey’s Corner - http://www.channel2000.com/kcbs2/bogey/ and even the President - http://www.georgewbush.com/

I will partner students according to ability. The more proficient students will be paired with students who have not yet mastered technology skills.




SUMMARY The past year has been a very positive learning experience

for myself and my students. Special needs students get enormous benefit from assistive technology.

My students were especially excited to get letters from Governor Davis. When the project first began, many

students felt that Governor Davis would not give them “the time of day”. They are now looking forward to next year’s “get involved” project. I have especially enjoyed working

with fellow teachers as a mentor. Through the CTAP workshops, I have seen tremendous improvement in use of technology by those teachers who participated. For myself, a long time MAC user, PC’s are now a part of my love of technology thanks to CTAP.




Students Online




CTAP TEACHERS IN TRAINING




California

Technology

Assistance

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Documents

Gas Prices Out of Control A “Class” Action Plan Sharee Watterson Ganesha High School Pomona, California CTAP 295 Teaching with Technology